I need to buy a few logic ICs. Which family should I get? HC? HCT? Which kind is best to have lying around in a parts box, for maximum compatibility with unpredictable future projects? Wide supply range, no extreme frequency requirements, etc. Schmitt inputs? Open outputs?
Electronic – What logic family is best for general-purpose hobbyist stuff
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Best Answer
HC is the most useful. It has a very wide supply voltage range, is easy to interface to most MCUs, has good noise immunity, has plenty of speed, and is widely available. HC is also available as single gates in tiny packages. Forget TTL and LS TTL, no one uses them for new designs these days.
It's also worth learning to use CPLDs, Using them often makes a lot more sense than designing with individual logic chips.